Are you struggling with ear pain? We understand how uncomfortable it can be. When ear pain is accompanied by pressure or a feeling of fullness in your head, even simple daily activities can become difficult.
If you find yourself searching online for “Why does my ear hurt?”, you are not alone. Ear pain can have several causes, ranging from congestion and earwax buildup to infections and jaw problems. Understanding the possible causes can help you determine when to seek medical attention.
At El Dorado Hearing, we understand the importance of hearing health and encourage people experiencing ear-related symptoms to seek appropriate professional care. Here are seven common causes of ear pain.
1. Congestion
Seasonal allergies, colds, and sinus infections can cause inflammation and congestion in the nose and surrounding passages. This inflammation may affect the Eustachian tubes, which help regulate air pressure in the middle ear.
When the Eustachian tubes become blocked or do not function properly, pressure or fluid can build up behind the eardrum. This may cause ear discomfort, a feeling of fullness, popping sensations, or temporary difficulty hearing.
Depending on the cause, treatments such as saline nasal sprays or appropriate allergy medications may help relieve congestion. Consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist to determine which treatment is suitable for you, particularly if your symptoms persist or worsen.
2. Impacted Earwax
Earwax helps protect the ear canal by trapping dust and other small particles. However, when too much earwax accumulates and becomes impacted, it can cause earache, a feeling of fullness, ringing in the ears, or reduced hearing.
Using cotton swabs to clean inside the ear canal can push earwax deeper and increase the risk of impaction or injury. In most cases, the ears do not need to be cleaned internally because earwax naturally moves toward the opening of the ear canal.
If you suspect an earwax blockage, consult a healthcare professional about safe removal options. Depending on your circumstances, these may include appropriate ear drops, irrigation, or removal using specialized instruments. Avoid attempting to remove impacted wax with sharp objects or cotton swabs.
3. Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth or the surrounding gums. Although the infection originates in the mouth, the resulting pain can sometimes radiate to the ear because the areas share certain nerve pathways.
Symptoms may include severe toothache, swollen gums, facial swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. A dental abscess requires prompt treatment by a dentist because the infection may spread if left untreated.
Treating the underlying dental infection can help relieve referred ear pain. If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing swelling, or significant swelling around the face or neck, seek emergency medical care.
Learn more about the difference between an earache and an ear infection.
4. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and help you speak, chew, and yawn. Problems affecting these joints or the surrounding muscles are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
These disorders may develop alongside jaw clenching, teeth grinding, arthritis, or injury. Symptoms can include pain near the ear, jaw tenderness, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and discomfort when opening the mouth or chewing.
If you suspect a temporomandibular disorder, consult a dentist or healthcare professional for an assessment. Depending on the cause, treatment may include jaw exercises, physical therapy, stress management, or a professionally recommended oral appliance. A mouthguard may help some people who grind their teeth, but it is best to seek professional advice before choosing one.
5. Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal. It often develops when moisture remains in the ear after swimming or bathing, creating conditions that allow bacteria to grow. Irritation or injury from cleaning the ear canal can also increase the risk.
Common symptoms include:
- Ear pain or tenderness, especially when the outer ear is touched or pulled
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Redness or swelling
- Fluid or discharge from the ear
- A feeling of fullness or temporary hearing difficulty
Treatment often involves prescription ear drops, depending on whether the cause is bacterial or fungal and how severe the condition is. A healthcare professional can determine the appropriate treatment.
To help prevent swimmer’s ear, dry your ears gently after swimming or bathing, avoid inserting fingers or cotton swabs into the ear canal, and use suitable ear protection when recommended. Avoid putting ear drops into an ear that may have a perforated eardrum unless a healthcare professional advises you to do so.
6. Changes in Air Pressure
Have you ever noticed your ears popping during an airplane flight or while traveling to a high-altitude location? Changes in air pressure can create a difference in pressure on either side of the eardrum, leading to discomfort or a blocked sensation. This is known as ear barotrauma.
To help equalize pressure during air travel or other changes in altitude, you can try:
- Swallowing frequently
- Yawning
- Chewing gum
- Gently pinching your nostrils closed and swallowing, or gently attempting to equalize pressure as advised by a healthcare professional
Avoid forceful attempts to equalize pressure, particularly if you have significant ear pain, an ear infection, or a history of eardrum problems. If the discomfort persists after a flight or is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness, seek medical advice.
7. Middle Ear Infection
A middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, occurs in the space behind the eardrum. It can develop after a cold, respiratory infection, or other condition that affects the Eustachian tubes. Fluid can accumulate in the middle ear, sometimes allowing viruses or bacteria to cause an infection.
Symptoms may include:
- Ear pain or pressure
- Temporary hearing difficulties
- Fever
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Fluid or discharge if the eardrum ruptures
Treatment depends on the cause, the person’s age, and the severity of the symptoms. Some infections improve without antibiotics, while others may require medication. A healthcare professional can examine the ear and recommend the appropriate treatment.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Ear Pain?
Not all ear pain requires emergency treatment, but certain symptoms should not be ignored. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe or worsening pain, fever with significant ear symptoms, fluid or blood coming from the ear, swelling around the ear, or symptoms that persist without improvement.
Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, requires urgent medical evaluation. Do not delay care while waiting for a routine hearing appointment. Seek emergency care if ear symptoms occur with severe dizziness, facial weakness, or other sudden neurological symptoms.
Contact El Dorado Hearing for Assistance
If you are experiencing ear discomfort or changes in your hearing, getting the right evaluation is an important first step. Ear pain can result from several conditions, and identifying the underlying cause may require an examination by a physician, an ENT specialist, or a dentist, depending on your symptoms.
El Dorado Hearing offers hearing-related services and can help you learn more about hearing evaluations and available support. Because ear pain may require medical diagnosis and treatment, consult an appropriate healthcare professional to determine the cause of your symptoms.
You can also take the online hearing quiz to learn more about your hearing concerns. If you are experiencing persistent ear pain or hearing changes, seek professional advice rather than relying on a quiz for diagnosis.
Do not let ear pain go unaddressed. Contact a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms and determine the most appropriate next steps for your ear and hearing health.